Dear Someone

Dear Mother Nature,


I hope you get through this phase soon. These hot flashes of 95 degrees in late September aren't fun for us as we wait for a new air conditioner to be installed.


Signed,
another hot mama (and I don't mean that in a good way)


Dear Birth Mother,


It's time to put together our photo album for you of Bug's year. It's hard to know which photos or how many to send but I hope you like the ones we selected and that they give you a sense of what a great little guy he is.


In addition to writing on the back of each photo, I think I'll include a letter. So much has changed in Bug's world over the past 12 months...he's in preschool, potty-trained (woo hoo!) and just this morning he got the DVD player to work when I had given up (it's a guy thing, right?).


I wonder if the things he says--like the time he bumped his head and announced "I'm not happy anymore" or when he put on shorts for this first time this year knowing they were for warm weather and declared them his "hot pants" with a twist of his hips--and other sweet, funny, charming, or observational comments--will come through on paper without hearing his voice or seeing his facial and (often) full-body expressions. If you do want to hear his voice or see him, just let us know.


Signed,
the eternally grateful woman who--because of you--became a mommy


Dear Bruce,


Happy Birthday! Can you believe it was just 18 years ago that I was one of many who sang happy birthday to you after the Unplugged concert? Oh wait...I'm sure it stands out in my memory more than yours but I remember what each of us was wearing!.

Love,
The one who's waiting for the next concert and a slice of birthday cake

Go to Amanda at Family of Shorts for more Dear Someone letters.

Dear Someone

Dear Bug,

I can't be sure but I'm fairly certain that you didn't see Oprah at Target this weekend.

Love,
Mommy

Dear World,

Any chance we could get a few more hours in a day every once in awhile? I wouldn't mind using the extra time to be productive (there's always something on my to do list that isn't done) and I REALLY wouldn't mind using it to get more sleep.

Signed,
Tired

Dear Bug,

I'm glad you're excited for your busy day: school, dentist appointment and a visit to Mommy's office. My fingers are crossed for the dentist appointment and just a gentle reminder that he's my dentist, too, and I have an appointment coming up.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Fall,

Are you coming soon?

Signed,
Autumn lover

Visit Amanda at Family of Shorts for more letters.

Dear Someone

Dear Summer,

For as much as I’ve complained about the high heat both outside AND inside (damn A/C), I can’t believe we’ll be saying good-bye to you soon.

Okay, I realize just because kids are returning to school doesn’t mean fall’s arrival with crisp football-watching weather is here but it is around the calendar corner. Just knowing that school supply shopping is being done makes me long for a new box of crayons, pencils with full erasers and unmarked notebooks. There’s no list for supplies for Bug yet so this year I’ll settle for a new pair of sneakers for the little man who’s currently wearing sneakers with a summer sweaty smell that might linger from here to New Hampshire.

Signed,
Not yet a kindergarten mommy


PS. Now that I think of it Mommy could use a new pair of shoes, too.

Dear Bug,

You’re going back to preschool next week. I’m excited for you--and excited for me--because I get to spend more time with you this year! I’m sorry I’ll miss your (second) first day of school but I’ll be helping move Grandma’s belongings to storage and think I’ll be shedding tears of another sort at the same time.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Bookshelf,

Let’s work together to find something fabulous to read during my flight time tomorrow. (Any suggestions?)

Signed,
Booklover


Dear Dairy Queen,


Here I come!


Forever yours,
xoxoxoxo


Check out Amanda for more Dear Someone letters.

Dear Someone

Dear Bug,

Just a gentle reminder that when it’s dark outside you have to put on your sleepy head (thank you Pajanimals). Being awake from 3-6am isn’t a good idea for you or mommy and daddy.

I do appreciate that you still said “please” while begging asking to come and sleep in our bed or to have me lie down in your bed but I would prefer if you must talk nonstop during the night that you do it in your sleep.

Love,
Sleepy mommy

Dear Mom,

I know the world is confusing right now. I’m sorry it’s such a tough time. We expected the move would take some adjustment but I’m glad that you’re comfortable in the new nursing home. I also think it's sweet that you call it the hotel and the dining room is the country club. We’ll see you next week…to quote Bug, “we can’t wait!”

Love,
Mary Ann

Dear Bug,

Really, you peed on your books? AARRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH…

Signed,
A book loving mommy

Dear R,

You're terrific! When I asked if you could watch Bug for a few hours while we're in SD, I can't tell you how sweet it was that you gave me your available times for EVERY DAY of our visit. We won't be asking you to watch him much but thank you for being so agreeable...you're a good nephew!

Love,
Mooie

Visit Amanda for more.

Dear Someone

Dear Criminal Minds,

Why am I obsessed with watching repeats of your show? Sure, I’m finding plenty of episodes that I missed during their original airing but there are PLENTY of productive other things I should be doing instead of plopping myself on the couch. Oh, wait, now I remember why I’m glued to the TV…
Signed,
Oh my...

Dear Self,

It’s been a long week: allergies, bronchitis and a yucky reaction to medication. Fun times! Here’s hoping for a quiet couple of days...

Signed,
Cough Sniffle Cough


Dear Laundry,

I’m bored with you these days.

Signed,
Mag

Dear Bug,

I don’t know why but I’m enjoying that you want to call me Tin Tin lately.

Love,

Mommy Tin Tin


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Dear Someone

Dear Bug,

Oh, I'm going to be sad when the day comes and you can pronounce "exclamation point" correctly. I love it when you point out letters in the words from Snuggle Puppy and complete a line by saying "excamation paint...space." Thank you for making reading time even better.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Seasonal Allergies,

Oh, hello again--I noticed you arrived earlier this year. Ah-choo again...

Signed,
the sniffling, sneezing, coughing, oh, it's another headache gal

Dear Jamaica,

I was thinking about you today and how we had such a nice time together a few years ago. I miss you. Signed,

Wish I could see you soon

Dear Blogger,

Again, what's up with the spacing?!?!??!?! It shouldn't be this difficult...why all the blank spaces?!?!?!

Signed,

a frustrated Mag

Visit Amanda at Family of Shorts for more letters.

Dear Someone (and a giveaway)

Dear Bug,


I get it: You. like. order. I was very pleased when you were playing quietly in your room. I should have known you were on a mission when you ran from room to room then back into your room and shut the door. When you called to show me what you had done, I was eager to see.

Did you notice the surprise on my face when I looked on your bed. There all lined up in one row were the tampon applicators. In another perfectly straight row were the tampons. All the wrappers were in the tucked neatly in the trash.

See...order.

Love,
Mommy


Dear CVS,


I'll be over soon. I need to stock up on tampons and put them on a higher shelf in my house.


Signed,
Using my extra care card AGAIN

Dear Snow,

Are you really coming again tomorrow? This is been a real winter for us! Nearly twenty inches of snow in December (it's okay that you ruined altered my weekend plans--it was nice to see you and shoveling was invigorating). Five inches earlier this week after making snowballs with Bug was perfect!


I'm not sure I believe you'll be back this weekend with 12 inches or more but I'll be watching! If you do visit, I'll make sure there's plenty of hot chocolate in the house after we've played together (wine, too).


Signed,
Snowmama


PS. Have you heard Bug singing "Frosty the Mommy?"


Dear Work,


What a fun time it's been! We released a new book last week and another one is going to the printer tomorrow. This week has been filled with edits, corrections, cover proofs, copyright issues...all fun stuff. I can't wait for that new book smell to arrive!


Signed,
Mag


Dear Everyone,


Kristen Chase of Motherhood Uncensored has agreed to sign a copy of her new book, The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex for a giveaway (don't you love signed books?!).


From amazon: Kristen proves that there is more to motherhood than diapers and timeouts. Good moms can be sexy mamas with just a little mominatrix training!


Leave a comment for a chance to win the book and I'll pick a winner on Monday, February 8.


Signed,
Mag


Visit Amanda at Family of Shorts for more letters and tell her I said hi.

Dear Someone

Dear friends who are having babies soon,

I can't wait for your little ones to enter the world. I'm a good babysitter and can provide references. Feel free to call me when you want a break for yourself or a real honest-to-goodness night out. I'm your gal. I can come to your house or you can drop off. I aim to please and the price is perfect.

love,
Mag

Dear Bug,

Spitting into the toilet to make bubbles isn't the same as peeing but nice try.

love,
pleasegoonthepottyformommy

Dear Diaper makers,

Really, my son can't be the only nighttime super soaker in the world. How can your overnight diapers not last through the night? I'm tying to come up with other options...should I design my own uber-absorbent sponge diapers? Are there jammies made of wicking fabric so Bug can stay dry till morning (I saw online that this is available for people with nightsweats--so maybe there's hope)? Should I sleep with a pillow over my head and try to ignore the call of "Mommy, I'm wet" during the night? I welcome your thoughts.

Signed,
Soaked and sleepy

Dear Bug,

Please send me a postcard from Jamaica. And remember to take sunscreen and plenty of diapers (especially for nighttime).

Love,
Mommy

(Side note: Bug woke up this morning and told me he's going to Jamaica today.)

Go to Family of Shorts for more letters.

Dear Someone

Dear Cold,

Oh, if only I could run as fast as my nose these days. You win. I surrender. I've taken plenty of cold tablets and ibuprofen but now I'm giving up. Yep, that's me waving the white tissue flag. How about we don't do this again for a long time, okay?

Signed,
Sneezy, Dopey & Doc

Dear Computers,

You got me good yesterday and it wasn't even April Fool's Day. First I arrived at work to find out my computer had a virus (why should I be the only one not operating at peak, right?). I'm always a bit hesitant, even shy, when I report problems to our IT department because somehow I think I caused the problem and should know how to fix it instead of bringing in the big guns. Oh well. I received a computer (none of my files but could work via email) but that quit on me so my replacement computer was replaced with a laptop that also shut down. THREE of you died on me yesterday..ain't technology grand? Had it not been the end of the work day I wouldn't have been surprised for the IT dept to bring me a typewriter.

Signed,
Bashful & Grumpy

Dear Bug,

The middle of the night is for sleeping.

Not for eating cookies.
Not for playing outside.
Not for watching TV.
Not for going to the store to find a mirror with purple stripes (but nice try on that one).

Signed,
Sleepy

Dear Donnie,

I'm very excited that you'll be home tomorrow. Safe travels!

Love,
Happy

Visit Amanda at Family of Shorts for more Dear Someone letters.

Dear Someone

Dear Bug,

Thanks for being such a thoughtful little guy for taking care of my boo-boo. Very sweet that you not only found the band-aids but opened one and put it on my face to cover my won't go away anytime in the near future zit. The blue Curious George band-aid would be a nice distraction from the pimple.

With love,
Mommy

Dear Art Schools,

Here is Bug's self-portrait. What's that? Oh, okay, he won't quit his day job school.


Sincerely,
A girl can dream, right?

Dear Boots,

I'm so happy I found you sitting alone on the "what will become of me" sale shelf last month . You're called "chain gang" but you're really not SO bad...but bad enough. You make me smile each time I even look at you and make me feel tougher and a tad more confident when I wear you. Look out, world mama's got a new pair of shoes boots...
Love,

Happy Feet

Dear Reading Time,

Where are you? I miss you and hope to have a reunion soon. Amazon and I recently spent some quality time together and I've now got a stack of books craving attention.

I've got our date planned out: a terrific hardcover (minus the jacket, of course) or wonderful paperback and me on the couch, my jammies, a pillow, a blanket, a bottle glass of wine or mug of hot chocolate and a sleeping Bug. Ah, perfect...now I just need you!

Signed,

Eagerly waiting for your return

Dear Sinus Headache,

Go Away! Three (or four?) days is long enough.

Signed,

*#$&(@

Visit Amanda at Family of Shorts for more Dear Someone letters.

Dear Someone

Dear Bug,

Five o'clock is much too early for you to start your day but I appreciate that you went along with the new game called "let mommy sleep" while you played quietly. I enjoyed it and hope you had fun.

Love,
A happy mommy

Dear Sweet Michael,

I can't believe today marks eighteen years since you died. It's so unfair that you were only here for eleven days but you were so loved.

I'll always treasure that I was able to hold you. The nurse scolded me saying that I shouldn't hold you because I was the aunt and only parents were allowed to hold you. She then quickly said, "well, as long as you're holding him--go ahead." A short time later I realized that she waited until you were in my arms before she told me I couldn't hold you. Even though she scared me more than a couple of times, I think she had a big heart and knew we all wanted needed to hold you and feel you in our arms to say both hello and goodbye.

Sweet little Michael, know that you're in our prayers, thoughts and forever in our hearts. You'll always be with us even if we only knew you for a short time.

Love,
Mooie

PS. When I visited your mom and dad last week, I saw your baby booties hanging on the Christmas tree where they've been every year.

Dear Donnie,

December is a tough month--Hanukkah, Christmas AND your birthday are all swirling around on the calendar. You really should give me a list of things you would like or you could end up with a lovely gift that's perfect...for me.

Love,

Your wife

Dear Holiday Cards,

Address yourselves this year, 'k?

Signed,

The tired one

Dear Blogger,

Again with the spacing...WTF?

Signed,

Grrrrrr

For more letters say hi to Amanda at Family of Shorts.

Dear Someone/Santa Knows...And Remembers

Click here for the oh baby holiday tee giveaway.

Dear Northwest Airline Pilots,

Please don't overshoot the Minneapolis Airport next week. My trip to South Dakota is short enough without getting re-routed.

Signed,
An infrequent frequent flyer

Dear Snow,

I heard you were falling from the sky last night in South Dakota. Will you still be around next week? I'd love to say hi.

Signed,
A Midwestern Girl at Heart

Dear Santa,

My list is short this year...I'd like some sleep.

Love,
Mag

PS...and world peace, of course

For more Dear Someone letters check out Amanda at Family of Shorts.

I saw the 31 days of goodness on JennyMac's blog, Let's Have a Cocktail. (I'm sure you all saw it, too, because who doesn't stalk follow her?) I emailed the list to several friends. It's been fun to get responses from people commenting on the list...what they want to do or what they've already decided to do this holiday season.

One former classmate emailed that he's adopted a local family in the town and will make a trip to Target so there will be gifts under their tree. He's also being Santa again this year and will show up at local daycare centers as well as homes in my hometown and another nearby town. He then added this to his note:

One thing that most people do not think about is that we have time, talent and treasures. A person does not have to give much of any of them to those who need it to get the warm fuzzies.

This ties in with Pseudonymous High School Teacher's blog featuring Travel Tip Thursday. Today I'm taking her advice and traveling to a Christmas in the past.

I wrote back to Russ and reminded him of a Christmas when he was the town Santa and I was back for the holiday. My mom told me for $10 you could have hire Santa to make an appearance at your house on Christmas Eve. You simply left a small gift for each child in your car and Santa would come to the house with gifts. (Side note: I had lived away from my small town long enough that I asked if she gave Russ keys to our car. She smiled and reminded me that people often DON'T lock cars there...right, I had forgotten.) My nephews were young at the time so I couldn't wait to see their faces when Santa walked through the front door (yes, I know he should have used the chimney and, believe me, I would have paid much more than $10 to see Russ pull that one off!).

So...Santa enters our living room and the kids squeal before they're stunned into silence. Russ Santa looks right at me says, "why there's little Mary Ann" (using my REAL name not what everyone calls me!) and says he remembers things I did as a little girl. Then he shares a few stories about me. (I went to first grade through senior year with Russ so he certainly had plenty to tell.) He then gently reminded my nephews that Santa remembers all of the children he's seen over the years and called my mom, brother and sister-in-law by name as well. The boys were thrilled to see Santa but that night--at that moment--they not only believed in Santa but that he truly sees you when you're sleeping and knows when you're awake...

Dear Someone

Dear Bug,

As your mom, I need to give you some general life tips:

I know you’re excited that you’re going to be three but when you're out in the world it’s generally considered impolite to ask a woman her age. And it’s definitely not nice to guess that Mommy’s her age is “five-zero.”

Love,
The one who's looking out for you who's not yet 50

Dear Work,

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Oh, how I love getting the memo that says I have vacation days to use or lose by the end of the calendar year. After I’m off ALL next week for Thanksgiving, I still have eight days to use up! I can’t wait to sit down with my calendar and decide which days I’ll be doing anything other than sitting at my desk…

Signed,
Worker Bee

Dear Boss,

I understand that your ego was bruised when you asked about something in a meeting that was already resolved. What I don’t understand is that later you attacked me by saying I needed to inform you of such things prior to the meeting--particularly when I had done just that the day before.

The first time I mentioned it was in a staff meeting (I have witnesses, heh). The second time was later that same day when we discussed a future marketing promo. I think your words to me were, “good idea.”

So, in the spirit of the upcoming holidays I’m going to pretend that your reply of “Oh, I guess I wasn’t listening” was really intended as “I’m sorry.”

Signed,
Worker Bee Again


Dear Little Miss Clara,


All we wanted to do was watch a little TV last night but with your snoring, it wasn't very pleasant. Remember that time when we had to move you to another room so we could hear people getting whacked on the Sopranos? How can someone so little make so much noise? And I won't even start in about the smells you were producing from the other end. Here's to a better night ahead...


Love,
Your ear-plugging, nose-plugging #1 fan

Dear Someone

Dear Anyone,

It's a dreary day here and I would rather be doing this:




Signed,
The Lady

Dear Mom,

I wish I could make things easier for you. I know it's difficult. Even when the physical pain is gone, the emotional pain is always there. It breaks my heart when we talk and you know you're confused and forgetting things. It's not the little things. We all do that (I've been looking for my black bra for three days...and I know I wore it home from work last week!). It's that you forget that Dad is no longer alive and you miss him so much.

There are times when I'll remind you that Dad died twelve years ago and that's why he hasn't been by to visit but other times I know you don't want to can't hear the truth at that moment and that's fine with me so we just talk. What's equally amazing is that you've never forgotten about Bug. Just a few months ago you were mad because you thought I got married without telling you (like that would ever happen!) but you still asked about Bug.

You're in my thoughts all the time and I'll see you very soon.

Love,

Mary Ann

Dear Thanksgiving,

I hear that you're two weeks away.

Signed,

The one who forgets dates on the calendar are closer than they appear

Dear Bug,

You were a star at the allergist's office this week! All our practicing paid off and when the doctor asked to listen to your heart, you lifted your shirt without missing a beat (oh, bad pun, sorry). I know Dr. S was as surprised as I was when you decided to lift my shirt as well.

Love,

Mommy

PS. We have to go back tomorrow so you can get the second half of your flu shot. Be brave, little guy.

Dear Brother #3,

I can't wait to give you your Christmas gift. You're the one who made me a Bruce fan. As a junior high student I always heard you playing his albums and then all of a sudden I was singing along and playing them myself.

You don't know I have a blog so I can comfortably say this...I have a signed Clarence Clemons book for you. Yeah, I doubt you'll read it but isn't it cool...the Big Man signed his book and it's yours or will be in about six weeks. (Good grief, Christmas is right on the heels of Thanksgiving--I better get moving).

Leave it to me to find books for sale at a Springsteen concert.

Love,

Your favorite and only sister

For more Dear Someone letters, stop by and visit Amanda at Family of Shorts.

Dear Someone

Dear Fall,

I'm glad you've arrived. I'm ready to unpack sweaters and tights.

Signed,
A seasonal kind of gal

Dear Work,

Help me figure this out. More than six months ago my position was reduced to part-time for budget reasons/slowing sales/bad economy yet I was still expected to do a full-time job in fewer hours. Recently, I was given responsibilities that were taken from a full-time co-worker to lighten his load. Do you find that odd? Oh, and the extra travel...didn't really want need that.

Signed,
The one who will keep her mouth shut because it helps pay the bills and buy the occasional shoes
Dear Lovely New Shoes,

I hope you're enjoying my closet your new home. When I saw you, it was love at first sight and when I tried you on and felt that smooth leather, I was yours. I look forward to a long and happy life together.

Signed,
Happy Feet

Dear Fellow Bloggers,

Thank you for making me smile, making me laugh so hard I snort or sometimes spit whatever I happened to be drinking while reading, making my cry and making me realize that it's possible to make new friends I may never meet. I may not know your real names or where you live but I enjoy our friendship.

Signed,
A grateful new friend

For more letters visit Amanda at Family of Shorts.

Dear Someone

Dear Self,

It almost happened--the intention was true. The clothes were laid out, the sneakers were ready and the iPod was charged but somehow you forgot to set the alarm for 5:30 to get on the treadmill. There's always tomorrow but today I enjoyed sleeping until 6:35 when the other alarm--the one with two legs, blondish hair and cries Mommy--woke me.

Signed,
One who's not giving up (yet...)

Dear Donnie,

I'm looking forward to our date tomorrow night!

xxo,
Mag

Dear Trick-or-Treaters,

I can't wait to see you on Saturday night. As for the teenagers who are trying to score free candy, can you at least do something to make it look like you're wearing a costume?

Signed,
One of many with candy

Dear Bug,

I've been a Bruce fan longer than you. I appreciate that you've jumped on the E Street Band(wagon) and love it that you want to know if Bruce sings at church, that you want to play Bruce when company comes over and that you always ask to hear him the minute you get in your car seat BUT stop telling me not to sing. To paraphrase lyrics before both of our times, It's my car and I'll sing if I want to...yes, sometimes loud and off-key but I'll do it.

When you sing along to "Girls in Their Summer Clothes" I don't correct you on the words, I simply take it all in. There's a lesson in all of this, little man, and if I weren't tired I'd come up with a great line from a Springsteen song to sum it up.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Bruce,

I've got my Bruce boots ready for our date Monday night. When the lights go up, look to your left and down about halfway in the arena. I'll be the one dancing!

Love,
You know who

Dear Someone and a giveaway...

Dear Motivation,

Where are you? Honestly, I've been waiting somewhat patiently for you to show up and enroll me in a boot camp or something. By now you must realize I need you I can't do it on my own...I'm weak.

Signed,
The one who is about to reach for a Snickers


Dear Hair Follicles,

Gray, really? All of you? C'mon, give the girl a break...

Signed,
Sad...so sad


Dear Anyone who wants to leave a comment,

I have a book to give away. If you want to win Marrying George Clooney, just leave a comment below. I'll pick a winner on Saturday. Really, how great is that title?
Signed,

Mag

For more letters, check out Short Mama at Family of Shorts.

Dear Someone

Dear Twelve People Who Are Coming To Dinner Tonight,

Feel free to grab a glass of wine as you step in our house, quickly down it and get a second. I'm praying hoping after two glasses you might ignore our lived-in look and there's a good chance the food will taste better as well.

Also, please don't comment worry about the paint that's peeling on our living room ceiling. We're aware of it and we'll fix it eventually.

Signed,

Your not-so-engrossed hostess who will probably have a glass or two of wine before your arrival


Dear Bug,

Yay for you, little man! Thanks for staying in your room ALL NIGHT. And...thanks for telling me this morning that when you woke up and it was still dark--you told Winnie-the-Pooh about your day rather than calling for me.

Big kisses,

Your happy, rested mom


Dear Bruce,

It's less than three weeks until our date...exciting, isn't it?!

xoxox

More letters at Amanda at Family of Shorts.

Dear Someone

Dear Bug,

Nighttime is for sleeping. In. Your. Bed. When you come in at 2am, it's not morning yet (you don't have to be that chipper--although 1% of me finds it charming the other 99% of me that's still sleeping thinks it can wait).

Remember, morning is when the sun comes up. It's light out in the morning. Dark is for sleeping. Oh, how I wish after I re-tucked you into bed a little after 2, that I had fallen back to sleep...after all it was dark and dark is for sleeping.

Love,

Your bleary-eyed mommy

Dear Person Driving the Dry Cleaning Van,

When you ran the red light and nearly hit us as we were THE SECOND car to go through a green light, I decided to let your employer know about your driving and that you flipped me off. I couldn't get your license plate because, as you know, the front of your van was inches away from the driver's side door of our car.

I told your employer the location and he asked me to describe the driver. I did my best: dark hair and at least one finger on his right hand.

Signed,

Someone who didn't get taken to the cleaners by your driving

Dear Mother Nature,

It's nearly October, could you stop with the 80-degrees-plus days?

Love,

One of your hot--and sadly I don't mean that in a good way--daughters

Dear Blogger,

What's up with the spacing? Makes me crazy...everything looks normal as I'm typing but when I post something there are about several blank lines in the post. Is it you or me?

Signed,

Mag

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